Folding bed



March 6, 1928. 1,661,876

E. COCKS FOLDING BED 'Filed Dec. 3. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 6, 1928.

E. coc s FOLDING BED Filed Dec. 3, 1925 2 SheetsSheet 2 W W. W a I mY wnw mm m n wwl V E Iln x 1w WI 6 $1 M\ x m Patented Mar. 6, 1928.

, 1,661,876 PATENT OFFICE,

EDGAR COCKS, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR T0 LOS ANGELES WALL BED COMPANY, 0] LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, A GORPORATON OF CALIFORNIA.

FOLDING BED.

Application filed December This invention relates generally to bed structures, and particularly to folding beds, of the portable type, adapted tobe concealed, when not in use, within a closet or recess and moved therefrom into a room for use. These are ordinarily termed recess beds and the desiderata is compactness and mobility.

The dominant features of beds of this type comprise a base, portably supported upon rollers, and a bed frame pivotally mounted thereon to swing in a vertical plane, being disposed vertically for storage or horizontally for use. lVhen disposed horizontally the frame overhangs the base.

In order to occupy a minimum of storage space and be movable through standard width doors, the base is made as small and compact as possible, consistent with its func tional requirements; and to facilitate 111 lowering and raising the bed frame, balance springs are provided between the frame and base. These are of SIlfilClB/llii strength to normally hold the frame in its vertically disposed position, but weak enough to be overcome by its unbalanced weight when disposed horizontally for use. The frame is pivotally supported adjacentone end and when a mattress and bedding are placed thereon its unbalanced weight is considerable, therefore, the balance springs must possess considerable tensile strength to minimize the physical effort required to raise or lower the frame and bedding between the horizontal and vertical positions. As the tensile strength of the balance springs is greatest when the bed frame is in its horizontal position, and as this tension is increasing as it is moved to this position from the vertical, their tendency is to tip thebase in the same direction the frame is being moved and this is augmented by the shifting of the center of gravity of the entire structure relative to the base. To overcome this tendency either a great deal of undesirable weight mustbe added to the base or it must be made of a plan area so large that it cannot be conveniently stored in comparatively small recesses or easily passed through standard width doors.

With these problems in mind, my improvement is directed to certain features of the base, my object being to provide a simple and compact structure, including one or more flexible, auxiliary supporting legs,

3, 1925. Serial No. 72,869.

which may be moved to folded position, when the frame is vertically disposed for storage, or moved to extended position when the frame is lowered to the horizontal for use.

By this means I am enabled to utilize a base of minimum plan area, andto effectively increase this area when necessary to counteract tension of the balance springs,

obviating possibility of the base collapsing on the frame when it 1s moved for use, but

without sacrificing any of the desired combyflthe leg is moved to its fully extended position and latched against accidental move ment, upon slight downward movement of the bed frame, and retained in that position until the frame is again raised to nearly its full vertical position. This insures full extension of the auxiliary leg before the unbalanced weight of the frame has resulted in shifting the center of gravity of the structure sutficient to tip the base, and before the greatest tension is exerted on the balance springs. I i

I show and describe a similar structure, but different as to details, in a copending application filed Dec. 3, 1925, Serial No. 72,870. I

In the following specification I describe the details of construction, arrangement and operation of my improvement, reference being made therein to the accompanying draw= ings wherein I have illustrated its preferred specific embodiment. I wish it to be understood, however", that this particular embodiment is shown and described merely for the purpose of fully disclosing the general prin ciples of my invention and that I reserve the right to make such changes and modifications in structure as will properly come within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevation of my improved bed structure;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation of the lower frame portion;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken as indicated by the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional plan view, taken as indicated by the line M of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional detail, taken as indicated by the line 5-5 of Fig. 4; and

F ig. 6 is a sectional detail, taken as indicated by the line 66 of Fig. 4.

Referring now to the drawings the numeral 10 designates generally a base portably mounted upon a plurality of rollers 11. Rollers 11 may be either rigid or of the caster type. The base consists of apair of areuate end members 12 joined by a rear transverse brace member 13 and a front transverse brace member 14. The end members 12 are made arcuate to facilitate in movement of the base into and out of small recesses, such as closets and through doors of substantially standard width.

Standards 15 are rigidly supported upon the base 10, adjacent the forward ends of the end members 12, and uprights 16 are mounted upon the rear ends of these members, the latter being suitably joined to form the head of the bed.

A bed frame generally designated by the numeral 17, carrying suitable springs 18, is pivotally mounted upon the standards 15 through the medium of brackets 19-secured to the side frame members 1i""'-engagin pivot pins 19 carried by the standards 1a. As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the pivotal connections between the standards 15 and frame 17 are adjacent the head end of the frame, so the head end overhang is substantially equal. to the height of the standards 15 above the base 10. Braces 20 may be provided between the standards 15 and uprights 16 to lend rigidity to the structure.

A plurality of contractile helical springs 21 are each connected at one end to a transversely disposed member 22, carried by the side frame members 17, and at their opposite ends to the transverse brace member 14, of the base 10, by means of a bracket 1 t. These springs I have termed balance springs for the reason that they are provided to normally hold the bed frame 17 in its vertically disposed position, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and to minimize the physical eli'ort required to raise and lower this f'ame between its vertical and horizontal positions, as illustrated in Fig. 1 (the horizontal position being shown in dotted lines). Any number of springs 21 may be provided to give the desired cushioning effect and the tensile strength is arranged in accordance with the size of the bed, the

weight of the frame 17 with its springs 18, and the usual amount of bedding.

An auxiliary leg, generally designated by the numeral 23, preferably consistin of an arm 2% and a brace member 25, is pivotally mounted upon the base 10; the arm 2 t being joined to a lug 26 on the lower end of an elongated bearing member 27, by means of a pivotal pin 28, and brace member 25 being similarly joined to a lug 26, on the upper end of member 27, by means 01'. a pivot pin 29. The member 27 is rigidly supported upon the transverse brace member 14 and brace rods may be provided between the member i l and the upper end of member 27 to rigidly support it as shown. The pins 28 and 29 are necessarily coaxial and their common axis is preferably tilted slightly from the vertical, as illustrated in Fig. 2, to raise the swinging end of the auxiliary leg free of the lioor when in folded position, as shown in Fig. 2, and to bring it into engagement with the floor when in its fully extended position, as shown in dotted lines in Figs. 1, 3 and 1. If desired, a suitable roller or caster wheel 31 may be provided on the outer end of the leg 23. Suitable bracing 32 may be provided between the arm 2% and brace 25.

A bent lever 33 is pivotally mounted at 31 upon a support 35, the latter carried between the transverse brace members 13 and 14 (see Fig. 4-). A link 36 connects the adjacent end of lever 33 with arm 2d of the auxiliary leg 23; the connection with the latter being adjacent to and slightly forward 0!. its pivot 28. As shown in Fig. 4, movement of the lever 33 from the position shown in solid lines to that shown in dotted lines, will, through the medium of link 36, move the leg 23 from its folded position, shown in solid lines, to its extended position as shown in dotted lines. The fulcrum 3%, of the lever 33, as well as the pivotal connections at opposite ends of the link 36 with the adjacent end of lever 33 and arm 24: are so positioned that when the leg 23 is in its extended position the pivotal connection of the link 36 with the lever 33 will be slightly past av line drawn through the pivot 3 1- and the pivotal connection of the opposite end of the link 36 with the arm 24. By thus throwing past center the leg 23 latched in its extended position, so that it cannot be accidently moved towards its folded position by striking an obstruction, such the edge of a rug. A stop pin 37 may be provided to limit the forward swinging movement of the lever 3.

A contractile helical spring 38 is secured at one end to an upwardly extending pin 39, carried by an extended end 40 of lever 2.53. and at its opposite end to a plate 41, carried between the transverse brace members 13 and 14: of the base 10. This spring is disposed ill to normally tend to swing the lever arm 33 forward, from the position shown in solid lines to that shown'in dotted lines; in Fig. 4; but its connection with the plate 41 is such that when the lever 33 is in its retracted position, as shown in solid lines, its

longitudinal axis will lie very slightly to the rear of a line passing through pin 39 and pivot 34. Thus it will always exert a force tending to throw the lever 33 forward, but the first forward movement of the lever 33 will not require a great deal of force and, conversely, its return from the position shown in dotted lines to that shown in solid lines will require a minimum of force when nearing the position shown in solid lines.

The retractile movement of the lever 33, against the action of spring 38; from the position shown in dotted lines to that shown in solid lines (Fig. 4), is effected by means of a contact bar 43, carried by the head end bed frame member 17 engaging the pin 39; and when the lever 33 is moved to nearly the position shown in solid lines the bed frame 17 is nearing its vertical position and the tensile exertion of springs 21 is being constantly lessened. Therefore, while the spring 38 is arranged to exertconsiderable force in the outwardmovement of the'lever it is preferred that, on its inward move ment, its primary tensioning be accomplished before the tension of springs 21 greatly diminishes.

In order to insure a full extended movement of the leg 23, as shown in dot-ted linesin Fig. 4, without depending entirely upon the action of spring 38 to'move it over obstructions, such as the edges'of rugs or wrinkles therein, I provide a toggle mechanism consisting of links 44 and 45, pivotally con nected together by means of a pin 46 and pivotally secured at their opposite ends to the rear transverse brace member 13 and lever33 by pins 47 and 48, respectively. The pin 46 extends throughslots 49 in the adjacent ends of links 44 and and also through a U-shaped yoke 50, through which the links extend. Links 44 and 45 are normally held in the position illustrated in solid lines in Fig. 4 by the action of a contractile helical spring 51, secured at one end to the transverse member 13, of base 10, and at its opposite end to the link 44, as shown. The force exerted by this spring is very slight, being just sufficient to hold the links in the position shown and exert a sufficient tension upon a chain or cable 52 to hold it taut.

The chain 52, or cable if such is used, is connected at one end to the yoke 50 and thence passed over a pulley 53, carried upon one of the base end members 12, up to and connectedwith one of the side frame members 17, as shown in Fig. 1.

When the frame 17 is in its vertically disposed position (as shown in Fig. 1), the lever 33, link 36 and links 44 and 45 are in the positions illustrated insolid lines ,in Fig. 4, due to the bar 43, carried by the frame member 17 being in engagement with the pin 39 carried by the end 40 of lever 33, thereby placing thespring 38 in tension. Spring 51is similarly in tension, -holding links 44 and 45 in the position shown, exerting Sllillcient tension upon the chain to hold it taut. Upon movement of the bed frame 17 downwardly, towards the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the bar will be swung rearwardly in Fig. 4 and, due to the contractile actionof spring 38, lever will a be swung forwardly, from the position shown in solid lines to that shownin dotted lines, -which, through the medium of link 1 mediate their pivots 47 and 48, respectively,

and theinner ends of their slots 49, are each exactly one half the distance betweenthe pivots 47 and 48' when the lever 33 is in its extreme forward position and leg 23 in its fully extended position, so that theirmovement from'the position shown in solid lines to that shown in dotted lines, effects a full of the movement is effected by spring'38, and

only completed, when necessary, bythe links 44 and 45.

To obviate possibility of any binding action of the spring 38 when the lever 33 is in the position shown in solid lines (Fig. 4) a" 2 small contractile helicalspring 54 may be provided. This is connected at one end to the lever 33 onthe opposite side of its fulcrum 34 from the spring 38 and at its oppo' site end to the front transverse brace member 14.

Having described a preferred form of my invention, I claim:

l. A folding bed, comprising a base, a bed frame pivotally mounted on the base to swing vertically thereon and overhang the base when in horizontal position, an auxiliary leg pivotally mounted on the base to movement of the leg to its extended posi- 5 mally hold said leg in extended position,

means in connection with the bed frame to effect movement of said leg from extended to folded position, against the action of said yielding means, upon upward moyement of the bed frame, and toggle means 1n connection with said moving means'and bed frame to insure full extended movement of the leg.

2. A folding bed, comprising a base, a bed frame pivotally mounted on the base to swing vertically thereon and overhang the base when in horizontal position, an auxiliary leg pivotally mounted on the base to swing from folded position, transversely of the bed, to extended position longitudinally 530 of the bed and beneath the overhanging portion of the bed frame,-a-,lever pivotally mounted on the base, a link connection between one end ofsaid lever and the leg, yielding means to normally hold said lever in forward position to extend the legmneans on the bed frame to engage said lever to retract it against the action of said yielding means to move the leg to folded position when the bed frame raised to vertical position. and toggle means in connection with the base and said lever actuated by downward movement of the bed frame, to insure full extended movement of the leg.

3. A folding bed, comprising a base, a bed frame pivotally mounted on the base to swing vertically thereon and overhang the base when in horizontal position, an auxiliary leg pivotally mounted on the base to swing from folded position, transversely of the bed, to extended position, longitudinally of the bed and beneath the overhanging portion of the bed frame, a lever fulerumed on the base and ha ring one arm connected to the auxiliary leg, :1 spring connecting the other 5 arm of said lever wit-lithe base and acting to rock the lever to project the auxiliary leg to operative position, means on the bed frame adapted to cooperate with the lever to place said spring under tension when the frame is in folded relation to the base, and a toggle connection between the arm of said lever connected with the auxiliary leg and the-base to insure full extended movement of the leg.

4. A folding bed, comprising a base, a bed frame pivotally mounted on the base to swing vertically thereon and overhang the base when in horizontal position, an auxiliary leg pivotally mounted on the base to swing from'folded position, transversely of the bed, to extended position, longitudinally of the bed and beneath the overhanging portion of the bed frame, a lever fulcrumed on the base and having one arm connected to the auxiliary leg, a spring connecting the other arm of said lever with the base and acting to rockthe lever to project the auxiliary leg to operative position, nurans on the bed frame adapted to cooperate with the lever'to place said spring under tension when the frame is in folded relation to the base, a toggle connection between the base and the arm of said lever connected to the auxiliary leg, and connections between said toggle and the swinging bed frame for actuating the toggle as the frame lowered from vertical to horizontal position to fullyextend the auxiliary leg.

A folding bed, comprising a base, a bed frame pivotally mounted on the base to swing vertically thereon and overhang the base when in horizontal position, an auxiliary leg pivotally mounted on the base to. swing from folded position, transversely of the bed, to extended position longitudinally of the bed and beneath the ovcrhanging portion of the bed frame, spring actuated means mounted on the base and connected with the auxiliary leg for automatically moving the leg from folded position as the bed frame moves from vertical position, and means positively actuated bythe bed frame for subsequently insuring full extended movement of said leg.

In Witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed, my name this 30 day of Oct/1925.

EDGAR COCKS. 

